We all need a champion (In memory of Tracey Friesen)
Plus, you're invited to an International Women's Day screening of Amplify Her.
This weekend is International Women’s Day.
I want to take a moment to honor an incredible woman—a friend, mentor, and ally—who passed away earlier this year.
She played a key role in the early days of producing what eventually became The Village of Lovers.
Tracey Friesen.
You can read about her impressive career in the Canadian film industry and her deep commitment to environmental justice and social change.
To me, she was a champion—not just for me, but for so many others she encouraged along the way.
A Meeting That Changed Everything
In 2010 as a young filmmaker, I went to a presentation in East Vancouver by Velcrow Ripper, a documentary veteran I really wanted to work with. I introduced myself afterward, and he invited me for drinks at a nearby pub.
Tracey was there too, a friend and colleague of Velcrow’s. As I asked them how to “get into the scene,” they both suggested I attend the annual Media That Matters gathering at Hollyhock on Cortes Island—a convergence of media makers who believed storytelling had the power to change the world.
I had found my people.
Velcrow and Tracey were there that year as well. I remember Tracey’s deep curiosity, her ability to bring people together, and her love of a good party.
I’ll say it again: she had a way of championing whatever passion project drove you.
And sometimes, that’s all a young, eager creative needs—someone to believe in them.
A Friend and Mentor
Over the years, we stayed in touch.
She always had an ear for bouncing ideas around or offering advice.
When my colleague Nicole Sorochan and I started developing our film idea about “female DJs,” Tracey came on board as an Executive Producer. Later, as the project evolved, she became a Writer, helping to shape the heart and flow of the film.
With Nicole’s vision, the project expanded into a graphic novel and motion comic series, woven into the live-action documentary.
That film, Amplify Her, was released in 2018 and toured the world.
I’ll come back to this in a moment...
In 2015, while Amplify Her was still in motion, I was invited to a radical peace project in Portugal called Tamera. Alongside my collaborator John Wolfstone, we set out to make a 15-minute short film at their Global Love School.
After 10 days, we left knowing it had to be a feature-length documentary.
I remember those early days, sharing the idea with Tracey. She was fascinated, unwaveringly supportive. Once again, she was a champion.
She cheered us on for years, even watching early cuts and offering insightful feedback.
She was one more reason The Village of Lovers made it to the finish line.
Surprising News
In late September 2024, Tracey emailed me.
Doctors had found a cancerous tumor on her liver. She was heading into treatment soon.
She signed off: "It’s hard stuff, but the love and support so far have been a real blessing."
I wrote back with my care and concern.
A month later, I checked in again. She told me the cancer was aggressive and she was starting chemo.
The next I heard of her it was early January. A mutual friend called to say she was being moved to hospice.
She died a day later.
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A few weeks ago, I attended her Celebration of Life in Vancouver.
There were old friends and colleagues I hadn’t seen in years, along with hundreds of others who came to honor her.
Many of us were still shocked, tearful.
In one eulogy, it was shared that Tracey never wanted her illness to be framed as “a battle” against cancer, as it so often is.
Instead, this was her journey of spirit.
One she had been preparing for her whole life.
A Tribute for International Women’s Day
And so, this weekend, in honor of Tracey, it feels right to offer a free online screening of Amplify Her—a film that celebrates women and the rise of the feminine.
It’s a rousing, 88-minute documentary featuring talented young DJs and producers finding their way, bringing their unique gifts to the world.
Plus, it’s got a banging soundtrack and stunning visuals.
Even better, invite a few friends to watch with you.
Tracey would love that.
P.S. If you feel moved by Tracey's legacy, please consider contributing to the Tracey Friesen Impact Fund.